There is a unique and special connection between siblings that cannot bedenied nor duplicated. They are both tormentors and protectors; a source ofteasing one moment, the greatest ally the next. Siblings are also likely to beone and other’s longest-lasting relationship. Four out of five Americans get toexperience the growing years with a brother or sister, and in most families theolder siblings serve as role models for the younger ones. The influence of oldersiblings is so powerful in fact, that it is said to rival that of peers and many timesoutweigh parental influence - for the better or worse.

Let’s start with the “worse.” When it comes to risky behaviors, research showsthat younger siblings are likely to emulate the behaviors and actions of theirolder siblings. A girl whose teen sister becomes pregnant is four to six timesmore likely to become a teen mom herself. A younger sibling whose olderbrother or sister drinks underage is twice as likely to drink underage as well. Ifthat older sibling is a cigarette smoker, the younger sibling is four times as likelyto take up the habit. When older siblings use marijuana and other drugs, the riskfor use among their younger siblings also increases substantially.

An interesting finding however, is that the closer in age the siblings, the lesslikely the younger one is to follow in the footsteps of the older sibling. Someexperts say this to be due, in part, to the younger sibling wanting to stand outfrom his or her older sibling, which could be a positive or a negative, dependingon the situation.

As for the “better” news; good behavior role modeling by older siblings isbelieved to be just as contagious among younger brothers and sisters. Anadolescent is more likely to have a negative attitude toward substance use andmake more positive decisions in general, when his or her older sibling choosesto be drug-free and demonstrates other healthy lifestyle behaviors.

It’s important to be aware and to share! The first step in drug prevention isawareness. The second piece is conveying that information to your children.First and foremost, make sure you’re talking with your older and youngerchildren on a regular and ongoing basis (age-appropriate of course) about thedangers of substances.

When speaking with older siblings: Stress the importance of their decision makingand how it not only impacts their life, but the life of their younger siblingswho look up to them.

When speaking with younger siblings: Talk with them about the fact that theyare not destined to repeat their older siblings’ negative behavior. Empoweryounger siblings by reminding them that they are their own person, fully capableof making healthier, more positive lifestyle choices, and avoiding the samemistakes that their older sibling may have made.